Welcome to this week's edition of the Gateway Bulletin!
We're here to provide you with the latest updates, events, and stories from our Rotary community. Whether it's new initiatives, upcoming meetings, or opportunities to get involved, we'll ensure you're kept informed and up to date.
Our Facebook page is also an excellent way to stay updated on our club's activities. If you haven't connected yet, click the icon to follow:
The Rotary Club of Noble Park-Dingley has invited us to join them for a special joint meeting on Tuesday, 3rd October.
Guest Speaker:
District Governor Colin
Date & Time:
Tuesday, 3rd October, 6:30 PM
Venue:
Keysborough Golf Club
55 Hutton Road, Keysborough
Cost:
$30 per person for a two-course meal (Drinks available at bar prices)
The members of the Springvale City Rotary Club will also be joining us for this event. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our bonds with neighboring clubs and enjoy an evening of insightful discussion, fellowship, and networking.
Next Week's Meeting
8th October 2024
Club Meeting
Peter & Rob, Rotary Club of Mt Eliza
VDC & Peninsula update
We currently have a graph showing the My Rotary Account status of our members.
We encourage everyone to sign up and ensure you’re making the most of Rotary’s online resources.
If you haven't signed up yet, now's the perfect time!
Springvale Benevolent Society AGM Recap
On 24th September, Leanne Byron had the pleasure of attending the Springvale Benevolent Society (SBS) AGM, which saw participation from community leaders and representatives from three Rotary Clubs in the City of Greater Dandenong—our Club, Springvale City Rotary Club, and Noble Park Dingley. A special highlight was President Gus presenting a cheque to SBS President Joe Rechichi.
SBS provides vital assistance to over 1,000 families each year, offering food vouchers and grocery items. Their work is truly commendable.
Call for Donations
As we approach Christmas, we’d like to call on all members to donate non-perishable food items or children's books to support the SBS's efforts. A donation basket will be set up at the club each week, leading up to December. Your contributions will help SBS volunteers deliver packages in time for the holidays!
Upcoming Dine-Outs
Peter Faulkner will be sending out details about 'Dine-outs,' a new initiative aimed at enhancing our club/member experience. Stay tuned for more information!
Special Presentation: ASRC Foodbank
At our meeting on 17th September, we were pleased to have Kate Quin from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Foodbank speak to us about the essential work they do in providing support and food to those in need. The ASRC Foodbank plays a critical role in helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
This is another very worthy local charity that our club proudly supports.
Early Bird Tickets for District 9815 Inaugural Conference
The countdown is on for the District 9815 Inaugural Conference, and early bird tickets are selling fast! Secure your discounted ticket by 30th September to enjoy full admission to this exciting event, scheduled from 28th to 30th March 2025 at the Red Energy Arena in Bendigo.
Your early bird ticket includes the following:
Access to the Inaugural District Conference
Admission to the Saturday evening Gala Ball
Please note, that the ticket excludes additional external activities such as Friday events, Saturday and Sunday breakfasts, and the Sunday charity walk.
The “early bird” offer is available until 30th September 2024 or until tickets are sold out. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a fabulous Rotary experience in Bendigo!
Additionally, we will be looking to have a “club” dinner on Friday night to kick off the conference. Stay tuned for more details!
Register now and be part of this remarkable Rotary event!
"Colour Their Lives" Gala Ball A Rotary District 9815 Partner Fundraising Event
Saturday, 16th November
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated "Colour Their Lives" Gala Ballin support of the Monash Children's Cancer Centre (MCCC). This special event is dedicated to raising vital funds for the treatment of childhood and adolescent blood diseases and cancer at MCCC’s state-of-the-art facility. Every dollar raised will help prolong the lives of seriously ill children and improve their quality of life.
We would love to see our club strongly represented by filling two tables of ten. This is a fantastic opportunity to support a life-changing cause while enjoying a memorable evening with fellow Rotarians and friends.
Event Highlights:
A delicious 2-course meal, complete with soft drinks, tea, coffee, and chocolates.
Alcoholic beverages are available at bar prices.
Dress to impress in colourful attire – add a splash of Hollywood, Bollywood, or even your national costume to light up the room and the dance floor!
Live music by the Baker Boys Band.
Exciting raffles, silent auctions, and inspiring guest speakers.
With the Gala just over 7 weeks away, now is the time to secure your spot! For booking details, click here.
Let’s come together in support of this extraordinary event. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Bunnings BBQ Saturday, 26th September
Our Bunnings BBQ was a fantastic success, with a great turnout of Rotarians. It was wonderful to see our members enjoying themselves while engaging in community service.
The funds raised from the event will be donated to the Jane McGrath Foundation, supporting breast cancer awareness and care.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed their time and effort!
Lyndale Secondary College Interact Club Update
The Interact Club at Lyndale Secondary College continues to thrive, showing strong enthusiasm for promoting awareness of Rotary and Interact both within the school and the wider community.
The recent photos capture their 'Wheel-a-thon debrief session,' during which they also planned for Term 4 and sold leftover items from the event, with all proceeds donated to the Wheelchairs for Kids initiative. The club raised over $2,000 and is thrilled to be donating seven—possibly eight—wheelchairs. The students are eager to receive a detailed 'timeline' outlining the journey of their efforts, from planning and fundraising to the process of making the wheelchairs and their eventual arrival in the destination country.
Looking ahead to Term 4, the club has chosen a new 'Community' project. They plan to partner with one or two local primary schools to organise lunchtime activities over a two-week period. These activities will encourage the younger students to create items or write letters and cards of affirmation for elderly residents in a local aged care facility. The Interactors will personally deliver the gifts during a special visit to the residents.
The club’s commitment and energy continue to make a positive impact, and we look forward to seeing their future achievements!
UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Bunnings BBQ Fundraising Event
13th October 2024
Thank you to those who have volunteered so far:
Sunday, 13th October:
8am - 10am: Phil T / Brian A / Anthony B / Leanne B
10am - 12pm: Peter F / Hans VD / _____ / _____
12pm - 2pm: Ken T / Lynn T / Babar J (+ son) / _____
2pm - 4pm: John P / Joe I / Terry / _____
We still have a few gaps we need to fill. Please get in touch with Phil Thurgood to see if you can fill a spot.
We appreciate your support!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Inaugural District 9815 Conference 8 - 30 March 2025
Bookings for the Inaugural District 9815 Conference to be held in Bendigo 28 - 30 March 2025 open from Monday 29th of July.
Partners, family, friends, potential members, supporters, and alumni are welcome.
Early Bird Tickets are available between 29 July - 30 September 2024 for $295. Individual session details and costs are outlined on the booking site.
Please check out the menu on the left-hand side for useful links including FAQs, Accommodation, Tourist Information, Exclusive Winery Tour details, and Committee information.
We look forward to collaborating and celebrating with you in Bendigo.
Each year, on 21 September, the Rotary community joins peace advocates worldwide to recognize the United Nations International Day of Peace.
This year’s theme, Cultivating a Culture of Peace, underscores the global need to promote mutual understanding, goodwill, and peace within our communities. That’s also the cornerstone of Rotary’s mission.
Rotary brings on celebrities as global ambassadors
Rotary International launched its celebrity ambassador program on 19 September, welcoming Kat Graham, Sibongile Mlambo, Gaby Moreno, and Archie Panjabi. Through traditional and social media, events, advocacy, and more, ambassadors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Rotary’s work and engage with supporters to amplify the organization’s mission and impact. Learn more.
WASH ROTARY ACTION GROUP
Message from WASH-RAG Board Chair
Our new Board Chair explains why she is a WASH Rotary Action Group member.
Read one example from her 30-year career in healthcare on how clean water and following standards for sanitation and hygiene can dramatically reduce newborn deaths.
Pat is a strong advocate for WASH in general and especially, WASH in Healthcare Facilities, as she knows its impact.
Growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Blessing saw firsthand that only two out of twenty-two villages had access to clean water, and waterborne diseases were widespread.
Read how he experienced the power of community-driven initiatives to bring clean water to his village.
Understanding what we see in the media
Anahita Dalmia is developing a video game to increase media literacy. A member of the Rotary Club of Newport Beach, Dalmia co-created Agents of Influence to help 11-to-13-year-olds think more critically about what they see on social media and in the news. “We’re teaching kids to understand media bias, logical fallacies, and confirmation bias,” she says. “We teach things like reading closely – tools you can use to determine what to trust online.” Enhancing media literacy is crucial for a healthy society and just one example of how Rotary members are advancing basic education and literacy around the world. Read more about understanding media bias.
Attendance and Participation: Regularly attend club meetings and participate actively in club activities and projects.
Service Projects: Engage in community service projects, both locally and internationally, aimed at addressing humanitarian needs, promoting goodwill, and fostering peace.
Fundraising: Contribute to fundraising efforts that support Rotary's service projects and charitable activities.
Vocational Expertise: Share their professional skills and expertise to benefit others within the club and in service projects.
Ethical Standards: Adhere to high ethical standards in their personal and professional lives, reflecting Rotary's commitment to integrity and ethical behavior.
Networking and Fellowship: Build relationships and network with other Rotarians and community leaders, fostering goodwill and understanding.
Membership Growth: Support efforts to grow Rotary's membership and extend invitations to prospective members who embody Rotary's ideals.
Rotary Foundation: Contribute financially to the Rotary Foundation, which funds international scholarships, humanitarian projects, and other charitable efforts.
Public Image: Promote Rotary's mission and achievements within the community and advocate for Rotary's values and initiatives.
Leadership: Serve in leadership roles within the club or district, providing guidance and direction to advance Rotary's goals.
Overall, Rotarians are dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities and the world at large through service, fellowship, and ethical leadership.
All members are invited to contribute to our newsletter.
If you have an interesting article or some great pictures, please share them with us by Thursday so we can include them in Friday's edition.
Send all articles and notifications to our Editor, David Langworthy, at david@bevmarks.com.au.
